Tennessee Tech University has held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on its Cookeville, Tenn., campus for its new Marc. L Burnett Student Recreation & Fitness Center.
The three-level recreation and fitness facility features a basketball gym and multi-activity court, racquetball courts, retractable bleachers for spectators, 13,000-square-foot weight room, 6,000-square-foot cardio room, climbing wall, golf simulator, elevated track, aquatic center, dance studio, game room, and wellness and nutrition area.
The facility also has an expanded childcare space as well as offices and large group exercise areas. Outside, there are basketball and pickleball courts. Students are able to rent equipment, such as kayaks and camping gear, for outdoor activities.
The new facility is twice the size of the 1991 building it replaced. Administrators believe it will be a major recruitment attraction for future students.
“One of our goals was to create something special for our students and campus” says Suzann Hensley, Tennessee Tech’s director of recreation. “This new facility embodies Tennessee Tech’s student-first mentality, and we’ve been thrilled with the positive response we’ve received from those who’ve had an opportunity to experience it.”
In addition to its functionality, the center provides an focal point at the campus entrance. The design and materials reflect a contemporary interpretation of the Georgian style architecture prevalent on campus and complements other structures.
The facility was completed in August 2020, but the grand opening ceremony was postponed until this month to ensure the health and safety of the community because of the pandemic.
The architects are Hastings+Chivetta and Wold | HFR Design.
